Tonic water is the last category we come to in the BBAs, but is no less important than the others. Here's the top five from a jam-packed tonic water judging session.
Tonic water continues to be a crowded and competitive market, but also one that reinvents, with new products and flavours always emerging. Goldberg Tonic Water (77p per 20cl), might not be familiar to all, but it was top in our BBAs session.
In the blind tasting it was described as “floral, well-balanced and aromatic”. The design took a high-scoring silver and for the value for money assessment it scored a near-perfect 24/25.
Given it drew on points with Franklin & Sons Rhubarb & Hibiscus Tonic Water, it was the value score that edged it ahead on tiebreak. Regardless, the Franklin & Sons flavoured tonic took gold on taste, with the panel finding “delicious rhubarb crumble” notes and “deep hibiscus”.
Another relative newcomer to the category is Lixir Classic Indian Tonic, which debuted in fourth last year. Though up one to third this year, it was actually the best tasting tonic in the session. As a classical tonic, judges enjoyed the balance, saying it was “refreshing, not too bitter and not too sweet”.
Our top five is completed by two more from the Franklin & Sons range. The Light sku was commended on its “carbonation level, clean and crisp taste”, and value for money (87p per 20cl). While its Sicilian Lemon was considered “well made” and a “bargain price” (87p per 20cl).